Greymouth is at the western terminus of the TranzAlpine line. Although it is located on the South Island's west coast, The town sits along the bank of the Grey River (named in honour of sir george Grey), about half a mile inland. The town has suffered many floods from the river untill a floodwall was built in 1992 which has since saved the town from further floods. The town has several scenic walkways along the river and parks.

Greymouth still shows much of its industrial roots and would not be considered an especially attractive tourist town. Primarily recommended as a base when checking out Punakaiki (pancake rocks), white water rafting, kayaking, visit Shanty Town or tours to franz Josef Glacier, not as a destination in its own right.

Shanty Town is a replica gold mining town complete with sawmill, gold sluice and gold panning. A steam train runs several trips each day. Shanty Town also operates New Zealand's only Steam School in association with Tai poutini Polytech.

Rental Car - The Greymouth train station has rental car counters from Hertz, Budget and a variety of discount agencies. Advance reservations are recommended.

Organized Tours - Several tour companies will pick you up at your inn, take you to nearby destinations, then return you to your hotel (or to the train station in time for your departing train). Check brochures in the train station or at your hotel.

A large supermarket, as well as "The Warehouse", a large general goods type store, are located next to the train station, making Greymouth a good place to stock up on essentials for your trip. (Note you must walk around the station to enter their parking lot; do not cross the railroad tracks at the station and try to climb over the fence).

Golden Coast B&B[7] 10 Smith St, phone (03) 768-7839 The first B&B to open in Greymouth, in 1967. Three clean rooms and with shared bathrooms, plus ensuite unit. Friendly owner. NZ$75 - $130 per night, depending on room and number of guests. Breakfast included. Located 200 meters above the train station (from train station, take sidewalk up to bridge, do not cross river, instead turn right and walk up to Smith Street.)

A nice hike, the Point Elizabeth Trail, connects Rapahoe, just north of Greymouth, to a northerly "suburb" of Greymouth, on the north side of the river. This is probably most practical if you can be dropped off at one end and picked up at the other end.

Take a day trip to Christchurch or to Arthur's pass.
catch the train to Arthur's Pass (1.30 departure) and coach back to Greymouth (5.15 at arthur's Pass)arrive back to Greymouth at 7pm